MS Dhoni says shifting IPL 9 matches out of Maharashtra not a solution for drought

Rising Pune Supergiants skipper MS Dhoni on Sunday said that shifting Indian Premier League matches from drought-hit Maharashtra would not resolve the perennial crisis as that required a 'long-term' solution.Dhoni's comments came amid the furore over holding the T20 league matches in the d

Rising Pune Supergiants skipper MS Dhoni on Sunday said that shifting Indian Premier League matches from drought-hit Maharashtra would not resolve the perennial crisis as that required a 'long-term' solution.

Dhoni's comments came amid the furore over holding the T20 league matches in the drought-hit state.

The dire situation over potable water in the state has sparked a raging debate over the suitability of playing IPL games in the state, besides leading to a PIL filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the use of large quantity of water for maintaining pitches despite the grave water crisis.

Three big cities in Maharashtra - Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur - are to play host to a total of 20 games, out of which one has already been held on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Whether IPL's match number 5, 6 or 7 happens or not, I don't think it makes much of a difference," said Dhoni at the media conference where he was announced the brand ambassador of mobile handset Lava.

"But we have to look at a long-term solution... How we ensure water is sent to those areas where there is water shortage.

"From what I have seen on TV quite a few dams are there, where only one or two per cent water is left. So we have to look at a long-term solution," Dhoni said.

"I think people talking about whether matches should happen or not, it's more momentarily driven than anything else. I think what's important for us as a county is to see what the long-term solution is and we have to move in that direction," said the wicketkeeper-batsman.

(With inputs from PTI)

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